Book Description

The problem investigated in this study was: what is the effect of involving the community in the education of African-American students who live in an at-risk environment? The Accelerated Schools Model was studied to ascertain if it provided a vehicle for greater community involvement. When all stakeholders work with a unity of purpose, empowered parents, staff, students, and members of the community can make decisions that effect curriculum and instruction. Building on the strengths of students, and all other stakeholders would cause students to improve academically as measured by the CAT/MMAT Tests. Ethnographic methods were used in this case study. Data collection began in August 1988 and participant-observer were means of collecting data. The process of triangulation was used to support, refine or disconfirm patterns and themes as they developed. The study demonstrated that Pershing Accelerated School has transformed itself according to the Accelerated Schools Model and is effective in involving the community in the education of African-American students who live in an at-risk environment. The most rewarding accomplishment of the school and community was the naming of Pershing as a Gold Star and Blue Ribbon School during the 1993-94 school year. The Gold Star Award is given to Missouri Schools, by Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, for outstanding academic excellence and the Blue Ribbon Award recognizes some of the nation's most successful schools. The Accelerated Schools Model provided the process for bringing the community, staff, and parents together to improve the academic achievement of the students. It is imperative that we teach all children to dream and to do for children living in at-risk environments what we do for children we perceive as gifted.